Mauna Kea, Hawaii.

Mauna Kea, Hawaii. Image by Nogwater / CC BY-SA 2.0

As a result of ongoing protests and arrests, the construction company tasked with building the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea has agreed to halt construction for a week. The controversy arose from Native Hawaiians’ claims that the telescope is being built on sacred ground. Scientists claim that the site selected for the telescope is ideal for stargazing due to its dark skies, elevation above most of the atmosphere’s water vapors and low humidity. Hundreds have protested the telescope’s construction since it began last year, and Hawaii Governor, David Ige said the week-long halt in construction will give both parties a time to reach an agreement. Read more: nytimes.com